There are a number of theological aberrations in the major Lutheran hymnals. Some have more while others have less. This page is intended as a guide for the pastor, organist, or music director in choosing hymnody and liturgy that is in keeping with the doctrines that are taught within a local congregation or the denomination at large.
This topic is approached with Christian care and concern for those who were responsible for both the production and promotion of the works, as well as those who would be subject to the influence of the doctrine contained therein i.e. the person in the pew. The following statements extracted from the "Report and Recommendations of the Special Hymnal Review Committee" (1979) should guide the reader by revealing the basic intentions of the author.
"The [Synodical] Handbook further states (Bylaw 11.157):
b. The reviewer's primary concern is that items submitted to him be in agreement in their doctrinal content with the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions.
c. The reviewer shall also be concerned that the items submitted to him do not contain statements that are inadequate, misleading, ambiguous, or lacking in doctrinal clarity.
d. The reviewer shall further be concerned that resolutions of the Synod be honored and upheld and that positions deviating from the doctrinal resolutions of the Synod be clearly identified as such.
It is not a pleasant task to point out aberrations and ambiguities in materials gathered together by fellow Christians. We pray that those who were a part of the project do not receive our report as a judgment against them."
TLH Landmines The Lutheran Hymnal (TLH - Blue or Red)
ELH Landmines Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary (ELH - Black)
LW Landmines Lutheran Worship (LW - Blue)
Sup98 Landmines Hymnal Supplement '98 (Sup98 - Green)
CW Landmines Christian Worship (CW - Red)
SBH Landmines Service Book and Hymnal (SBH - Red)
LBW Landmines Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW - Green)
Disclaimer: Information on this page is for entertainment informational and instructional purposes only and is not to be construed as the doctrinal position of the author or of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Consult your Bible (Greek and Hebrew preferred, but the NASB is acceptable) and the Book of Concord. This information has not been approved by the LCMS. Please notify the compiler if there are any verifiable inaccuracies presented.
Comments or suggestions: (please no spamm or other time + bandwidth-wasting baloney!)
Last revised 12/6/2004 9:57 PM